Clarity and discipline key to local travel post I-Day

We must see that communication is absolutely clear and key to a smooth opening of trains, mid-August. Currently, there is news about commuters accessing passes via an app, or physically, post 14 days of full vaccination

Clarity and discipline key to local travel post I-Day

This picture has been used for representational purpose

If you want the local trains to start, Covid-19 must depart… sing seven priests from a South Mumbai church, in a song that is going viral on several chat groups. That report in the Sunday edition of this paper though is not the focus of this edit, local trains are.

Reports have poured in stating that fully vaccinated Mumbaikars will be allowed to take the lifeline of the city from Independence Day onwards. That surely opens the most significant chapter in the unlocking story of the Coronavirus fight, given the lifeline status of trains in this commuting city.

The way to avoid chaos is clarity, both for commuter and Railway officials who will have to manage the crowds from mid-August. The app must work and there can be no place for any malfunctioning as this will be hugely counterproductive to the unlock aspect.

The government must, of course, keep in mind our rush at stations and the absolute tipping point that they are given the crowds and the hurry to get to the destination. Frustration and rage run high, so being clueless, differing rules, unaware about something and gaps in communication can all lead to massive confusion which can segue into a dangerous situation at these hubs. Keep in mind too, these are Covid times when every resource is stretched. Uncertainty and worry means things can get out of control quickly. We want order, discipline, peace and calm more than anything right now. Precise orders, unambiguous guidelines and exact execution will be a smooth beginning to this new phase.

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